Breadcrumb

Software to design a storm sewer system

Submitted by Nicola Rainiero
on 2012-07-02 (last updated on 2013-06-26)

I publish an open source code that calculates line by line the suitable diameter for a given sewer system, using the linear reservoir model. It can design according to three different variables: speed, shear stress or slope of the line. It gives a final report, useful for calculus relations or following elaborations.

Written for an old programmable calculator, as described here, then converted or better patched up to make it usable in every PC, now finally is ready for internet. This software is under GPLv3 license, because I like the idea that everyone can contribute to improve it and above all to adapt it at own necessity without any annoying royalties.

The source code

Originally it functioned only with the Sharp PC-E500S in a BASIC dialect optimized for this calculating machine. I update the code and now it is compiled using FreeBASIC (quickbasic compatible). In its history the code rows have been quadrupled, forcing me to use many times the GOTO instruction and a programming construction not very well. I tried to add some comment but the reading of the code is very difficult, I am sorry!

Here is the zip archive of the software: Storm_sewer_0_9_2.zipNew releases are available here. (10/10/2012) I have begun the conversion of Storm Sewer into a web application, to see how it will work and the progress of this project, go here: Storm sewer webapp: concept.

Limitations

The storm_sewer.exe binary must contain in the same folder:

circular_duct.dat, the dimensionless table for this kind of ducts;

input_system.dat, geometrical and hydrological data of the sawer system.

The system geometry can have more external lines (only a single line), but everyone must flow into same node. After this node it is possible to have more lines, but only internals. If the system is complex, I suggest to subdivide it into little sections according to this limitations and verify step by step going to downstream.

If the software did not converge quickly (for example in the design of little residential system), it could change the tolerance value or v0 (variable between 30 to 50 m3/ha)

The binary compiled on Linux does not function very well, because does not parse correctly the input file. A practical solution is Wine.

The duct sections must be circular.

Development plan

clean, optimize and correct these limitations;

give it a GUI;

add a module to automatic drawing of the corresponding longitudinal sections in DXF format;

References:

For the hydraulic theory in this article I have used this book: Luigi Da Deppo, Claudio Datei, Fognature, Padova, Cortina, 2002and for calculus verification the on-line duplicated lecture notes written by prof. Salandin: Calcolo_condotte.pdf

Nicola Rainiero

A civil geotechnical engineer with the ambition to facilitate own work with free software for a knowledge and collective sharing. Also, I deal with green energy and in particular shallow geothermal energy. I have always been involved in web design and 3D modelling.

Add new comment

Oggetto

Notify me when new comments are posted

All comments

Replies to my comment

Your name

Email

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.